More than 4,300 illegal number plates exposed in two weeks as 'ghost plate' technology unveiled in Birmingham
The West Midlands PCC has hailed the 'substantial' impact of a pioneering technology pilot to read illegal number plates.
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster has celebrated the impact of the next generation of ANPR camera to be rolled out in Birmingham and the West Midlands after more than 4,000 illegal plates were detected in just two weeks.
It comes after the force rolled out the first phase of Operation Phantom, a collaboration initiative between the West Midlands Police and Redspeed International, which trialled new cutting-edge cameras to detect vehicles using illegal 3D and 4D 'ghost plates'.
The new 'pilot' led to 4,335 instances of the non-compliant plates being detected in a single area of Birmingham over a two-week period, with the force saying that the new cameras not only 'enhance road safety', but are also 'instrumental in tackling dangerous drivers'.
Mr Foster said: "Road safety and tackling crime on our roads is a top priority for me and tackling illegal ghost plates is an important part of that mission.
“These illegal plates are not a minor offence – they are a serious criminal enabler. By using cutting-edge technology, we are exposing offenders who think they can evade the law and ensuring that they can be brought to justice.
“The results from Operation Phantom show that with innovation and determination, we can tackle crime and keep our roads safe.”
During the first two weeks of the pilot, the new Redspeed 'Sentio Ghost' camera technology detected 4,334 separate incidents of ghost plates, including 2,91 instances of vehicles that would have usually gone undetected.
Superintendent Jack Hadley, head of the road policing unit at West Midlands Police, said: "This operation is a fantastic example of innovation and collaboration between West Midlands Police, the PCC and private industry in action. Tackling the use of ghost plates is crucial to our efforts to reduce crime and keep our communities safe.
“The results of Operation Phantom will have a lasting positive impact, making our streets safer and ensuring our roads are not a haven for criminals.
“This project directly supports our joint commitment to safer roads to reduce crime and make our communities safer for all. I am immensely proud of the work so far and the legacy this project will leave."
The pilot forms part of the Commissioner's Police and Crime Plan for 2025 - 2029, which aims to make roads safer and bring offenders to justice.
